HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) -- Meijer is the new owner of a 114-year-old dairy, and plans to expand the business.

Meijer announced Wednesday it had purchased the plant and operations of Bareman's Dairy, a family-owned company in Holland Township.

The Walker-based retailer will take over operation at the facility on April 1, renaming it the "Purple Cow Creamery" after the ice cream shops inside many Meijer stores.

"The creation of the Purple Cow Creamery is an important step forward as we continue to expand our manufacturing operations," said Rick Keyes, Meijer executive vice president of supply chain and manufacturing, in a statement released Wednesday. "Producing our own Meijer brand milk allows us to continue to focus on keeping prices low for our customers, while also reducing the number of food miles for a very important product."

While Meijer is not revealing the purchase price, its representatives say they plan to invest $8 million to expand the Charles Street plant.

The former Bareman's plant will supply mile to 101 Meijer stores in Michigan.

The Bareman's brand name and its distribution facilities are being purchased by Illinois-based Prairie Farms Dairy.